Lwanga Gasuza Musisi is a dedicated project manager currently spearheading initiatives at Africans in Partnership Against AIDS in Toronto, Canada. Combining his passion for social justice with both non-profit and academic endeavors, Lwanga envisions transformative change at both macro and micro levels. Recently defending his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, OISE, in the Social Justice department, Lwanga delved into the exploration of "Normalcy" within the Ugandan Education system, particularly focusing on its impact on children with autism. His academic journey also includes a Master's degree from the same department in 2017 and a Bachelors Specialist degree in Anthropology, where he was a Dean's List Scholar and graduated with High Distinction at the same university.
Beyond academia, Lwanga's leadership prowess was showcased during his four term tenure as the President of the University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union (UTGSU), where he ardently advocated for the diverse needs of the graduate student community. In this role, he collaborated with faculty and administration, shaping impactful policies and initiatives. His contributions extended to chairing the finance committee, overseeing the financial affairs of the union. Outside the professional sphere, Lwanga finds solace in listening to music and indulging in outdoor activities, including his love for cooking. His multifaceted experiences reflect a commitment to creating positive change, both within academic realms and the broader community.
Addiction/drugs/drug policy, Disability, Healthcare access/health systems capacity, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, Mental illness, Violence against children/child abuse, Inclusive Education, Strategies to Oral Education, Social Determinants of Health
During my extensive tenure at Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA) Toronto, Canada, I have had the profound opportunity to actively engage with and support African, Caribbean, and Black 'newcomer' populations, particularly those navigating the intricate process of seeking refuge/asylum in Canada. Operating within a realm where individuals were often grappling with profound hardships in their countries of origin, I played a critical role in providing crucial assistance during this vulnerable juncture in their lives.
Central to my responsibilities, is the hands-on task of documenting and compiling testimonies essential for their status claim requirements. This demands not only careful attention to detail, but also a profound commitment to empathetic communication while recognizing the inherent sensitivity of the narratives I am entrusted with. Navigating through these complex stories, I ensure that each testimonial not only meets the stringent requirements of the status claim process, but also resonates with authenticity and compelling clarity.
My extensive and ongoing engagement has given me a thorough awareness of the multifaceted issues underlying refugee and asylum cases, in addition to meeting the administrative needs of the post. This involves both a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural and social variables at work as well as a sophisticated awareness of the legal nuances involved. My lived experience coupled with my identity as an African man operating within a Western system, uniquely positions me to navigate cultural subtleties with heightened empathy, contributing significantly to an inclusive and equitable approach. This first hand perspective enhances my capacity to address diverse needs, fostering a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive understanding that is pivotal in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the contexts of refugee and asylum-related issues.
This first hand experience equips me with the skills necessary to approach refugee and asylum-related matters with not only professional acumen but also a profound sense of empathy, understanding and cultural competence. I am committed to upholding the rights and preserving the dignity of those seeking refuge, ensuring that policies and interventions are not only effective but also reflective of a deep understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the communities I serve.
Dei, G. S (2017). Reframing Blackness and Black Solidarities through Anti-colonial and Decolonial Prisms. Springer International Publishing
Musisi, L. G. (2017). Autism and Social Justice Education: Toward an Inclusive Education System in Uganda. University of Toronto. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/handle/1807/77876 Thesis, M.A
Dei, G. S. Jajj. M (eds). (2018). Knowledge and Decolonial Politics: A Critical Reader. Sense Pub. Chapter 6. (p.95-111)
Musisi, L. G. (2021). “From Awareness to Action: Addressing HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies in Toronto”. Kibaru Newsletter. Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, 2021.
Musisi, L. G. (2021). “Breaking Barriers: Improving Access to Healthcare for Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto”. Kibaru Newsletter. Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, 2021.
Musisi, L. G. (2022). “The Interplay between HIV/AIDS and Mental Health: A Closer Look at Toronto's Perspective”. Kibaru Newsletter. Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, 2022.
Musisi, L. G. (2022). “Nourishing Hope: The Role of Nutrition in Managing HIV/AIDS in Toronto”. Kibaru Newsletter. Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, 2022.
Musisi, L. G. (2023). “Black Authenticity, Solidarity, and Identity: Navigating the Appropriation of Anti-Black Racism Struggles in Academia and Beyond”. Scholarly Article, Africans in Partnership Against AIDS, Conference Presentation